Langavant Calorimeter for Cement Tests
Cement Testing
Cement testing is crucial in ensuring the quality and performance of cement based materials used in construction. One of the most important parameter tested is the heat of hydration which is the heat released as cement reacts with water during the hydration process. Accurate measurement of this heat is essential to measure the degree of hydration and to predict the behavior and durability of concrete and mortar in real world applications.
The Langavant Calorimeter is a specialized semi-adiabatic system to measure the heat of hydration in fresh mortar. This system consists of a test calorimeter and a reference calorimeter which work together to provide temperature values throughout the test. A temperature recording device is used to record and store these temperature values so that all data required to calculate the heat of hydration is captured. By monitoring the heat released from the cement during hydration the Langavant Calorimeter helps engineers and researchers to assess the suitability of cement for various construction projects and develop high quality and durable cement based materials.
Langavant Calorimeter: Heat of Hydration Cement Tests
How it Works
The Langavant Calorimeter is a sophisticated semi-adiabatic testing system to measure the heat of hydration in fresh mortar. The Langavant Calorimeter measures the heat of hydration of cement by the semi-adiabatic method as specified in EN 196-9, often referred to as measuring the heat of hydration of cement by the semi. At the heart of this system are the test calorimeter and the reference calorimeter which work together to provide temperature readings. The testcalorimeter measures the temperature changes in the mortar sample, while the reference calorimeter monitors an inert sample to account for environmental heat exchange.
Temperature recorded and stored values from both calorimeters are recorded and stored using a temperature recording device. This device is connected to a data acquisition module so that automatic data acquisition and data storage is possible. The Langavant method involves placing a fresh cement specimen into an isolated Dewar flask where temperature changes are monitored over the early days. The heat of hydration is calculated as the sum of the heat accumulated in the flask and the heat emitted to the environment during the test period, specifically the generated by the cement content. By comparing the temperature of the mortar with that of the inert sample in the reference calorimeter flask precise measurements are ensured.
Langavant Method
The Langavant method is a popular semi adiabatic method to measure the heat of hydration of cement, mortar and grout. A fresh specimen is placed in an isolated Dewar flask and the temperature inside the specimen is monitored for the first few days. The heat of hydration is typically measured until a certain time when the temperature stabilizes. The heat of hydration of the cement in the sample is equal to the heat accumulated in the flask plus the heat to the environment during the test period. The heat generated by the cement mortar is dependent on its nature and is a key parameter to understand the hydration process. The test aims to reach values that represent the maximum heat release during hydration. The Langavant method is a reliable way to measure the heat of hydration which is a key parameter to understand the behavior of cement materials.
Reference Calorimeter and Accessories
The Langavant calorimeter set consists of a calorimeter, a data box and a set of accessories. The calorimeter is semi-adiabatic and consists of a thermos vessel with a thermally insulating closure and a stable aluminum housing. The data box is for automatic data acquisition and has 4 channels for Pt-100 probes. The accessories supplied include a reference calorimeter flask, a mortar container and a thermometer fitting. The system comes with a factory calibration certificate so the equipment is guaranteed to be accurate and reliable. A standard PC with monitor is required for operation but is not supplied with the system.
Testing and Automatic Data Acquisition
The testing procedure is to place a fresh mortar sample in the calorimeter and measure the heat released based on the temperature development. The heat generated by the cement mortar is a critical result obtained from this testing procedure. The temperature recorded and stored values are recorded and stored in the data box which allows automatic data acquisition. The system also allows manual data collection and the recorded values can be stored and analyzed using the reporting and editing function. The testing procedure is according to EN 196-9 and the system meets the requirements of this standard.
Test Procedure
The testing procedure consists of placing a fresh mortar sample into the calorimeter, where the heat released is determined based on the temperature development observed. The setup includes a reference calorimeter to measure temperature changes in an inert sample, ensuring accurate comparison and compensation for environmental factors.Temperature recorded and stored values are recorded and stored using a temperature recording device, which is connected to a data acquisition module. This setup allows for both automatic and manual data collection, ensuring flexibility and precision in capturing the test data. The procedure adheres to the specifications outlined in EN 196-9, which governs the testing of cement mortar. By analyzing the temperature development, the heat of hydration of the cement mortar is calculated, providing critical insights into the material’s behavior. curing mortar and concrete test specimens
Conforms to: EN 196-9
The calorimeter set meets the requirements of EN 196-9 which is the European standard for heat of hydration of cement. The system is calibrated for accuracy and reliability and comes with a factory calibration certificate. The system also meets other international standards so it’s a universal and widely accepted testing solution.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The calorimeter set has the following technical features:
Calorimeter: 100 mm x 240 mm, thermally insulating material.
Data box: 4 channels, can connect up to 4 Pt-100 probes.
Temperature sensor: Class A according to DIN 60751, and also consider ASTM Non-Mercury Thermometers for lab or industrial temperature testing.
Software: Windows NT/2000/XP, statistical analysis and reporting. A standard PC is required for operation and is not supplied with the unit.
Applications and Features
The calorimeter set is used in the construction industry for testing heat of hydration of mortar and grout. In research and development it is used to study cement materials. The benefits of the calorimeter set are: accurate and reliable results, automatic data acquisition and user friendly interface. The system accurately measures the heat achieved by the mortar, providing valuable insights for research and development. The system is universal and can meet the requirements of different international standards.
Support and Resources
Qualitest International Inc. offers comprehensive support and resources for users of the Langavant Calorimeter. Each system comes with a factory calibration certificate, ensuring the equipment’s accuracy and reliability. Additionally, a detailed user manual is provided to guide users through setup and operation.
For ongoing support, Qualitest offers technical assistance and training services to ensure the system operates correctly and efficiently. The Langavant Calorimeter also features a robust reporting and editing function, allowing users to analyze and edit test data with ease. The included statistical analysis function enables detailed examination of the test data, facilitating thorough and accurate assessments.Additional resources, including user manuals and technical specifications, are available on the Qualitest International Inc. website. For any questions or issues, contact the technical support team.
Conforms to: EN 196-9 for heat of hydration (Often tested using lab water baths lab water baths and heating circulators). For related applications, see our asphalt permeability test machines.
Measures heat of cement by semi-automatic Langavant method. Test calorimeter comes with factory calibration certificate. Temperature recorder has (4) input channels for recording and transmission of temperature values. Analysis software has reporting and editing function for calculating heat. Unit includes: test calorimeter; reference calorimeter; mortar-sample container, temperature recording device and analysis software. Power for unit is from USB from a PC or laptop. PC not included. For moisture testing applications, see the Concrete Moisture Test Starter Kit Rapid RH L6, Celsius.
Meets Test Methods:
ASTM EN 196-9
Specimen Preparation using Mortar
Proper specimen preparation is key to getting accurate and reliable results when testing hydration with the Langavant Calorimeter. The process starts by mixing cement with water to produce a fresh mortar sample, ensuring the mixture is homogeneous and free of contaminants. This fresh mortar is then placed into a mortar sample container, which is designed to be compatible with the Langavant Calorimeter.
The mortar sample container is made of material that is inert to cement, such as high-grade plastic or stainless steel, to prevent any chemical reaction that could affect the test result. Once the mortar sample is in the container, it is sealed to prevent moisture and air from entering or leaving the sample, keeping the sample intact throughout the test. This is crucial for measuring hydration as even small inconsistencies or contamination can affect the result. By following these steps the Langavant Calorimeter will give you precise data on the hydration of cement materials. For additional concrete testing equipment, such as the Humboldt Concrete Air Entrainment Meter, 8L, consider reviewing specialized tools for measuring air content in fresh concrete.
